Vagifemvaginal tablets contain the active
ingredient estradiol (previously spelt oestradiol in the UK), which is a natural
form of the female sex hormone, oestrogen. It is manufactured by Novo
Nordisk.

Vagifem is a treatment that can soothe tissues in and around the
vagina. And it doesn't just mask symptoms temporarily. Unlike over-the-counter
lubricants and moisturizers, Vagifem actually reverses
changes in the vagina that occur with menopause and can help maintain this
reversal with continued use.

Picture of Vagifem Vaginal Tablet With Applicator

Vagifem For Atrophic Vaginitis

What is atrophic vaginitis?

Atrophy is the partial or complete wasting away of body tissue.

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina.

What local genital symptoms might be associated with the menopause?

After the menopause, as a result of vaginal atrophy due to loss of estrogen, vaginal dryness and discomfort are more likely to become a problem for you. Local infection, atrophic vaginitis, becomes more common now that there is less protective lactic acid and this may result in inflammation causing soreness and discharge.

The vaginal dryness and inflammation may cause discomfort or even pain when you make love (dyspareunia). On occasion, the inflammation may cause bleeding. All postmenopausal bleeding must be investigated (17).

The most common symptoms are dryness, burning, pruritus,
irritation, and dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse).
Topical Estrogen or hormone
replacement therapy (ERT-HRT) is the treatment of choice
in postmenopausal women.0101

If genital symptoms, such as vaginal dryness,
pain during lovemaking or perhaps bladder symptoms are troubling you, these could be due to reduced oestrogen levels in the tissues around the genital area. These symptoms usually respond to HRT or to topical preparations (oestrogen creams or pessaries).

On occasion, local symptoms may fail to respond to HRT anyway and additional topical oestrogen may be required.

To begin with, the creams or pessaries are introduced each night for ten days to two weeks and then reduced to a maintenance regime varying from twice weekly to perhaps no more than once each month depending on symptoms, age and response. There are a variety of topical oestrogen preparations (Table 28.1).

Estring (Pharmacia and Upjohn), a synthetic soft rubber ring which slowly releases oestradiol can be introduced into the vagina and replaced at three monthly intervals. If the uterus is still present intermittent courses of progestogen should be considered to encourage endometrial shedding (HRT and progestogen). The ring is as effective as oestrogen creams and some women find the ring more acceptable.

Table 28.1 Topical creams and pessaries that
are commonly used in menopause treatment.

Almost invariably, unless you are taking HRT, there will be some degree of vaginal atrophy after the menopause.

Quite frequently, patients are referred with vaginal discomfort and a physical examination reveals a prolapse (1). The only way to determine how much of the discomfort is due to the vaginal atrophy and how much to the prolapse is to treat the atrophy with topical (local cream or pessary) oestrogen and then reassess the symptoms.

Restoration of vaginal ph - Rephresh

This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, retired Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.

I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.

Thank you for choosing to visit us.

This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, retired Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.

I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
If you still have unanswered questions, please consider entering them into one of our forums and I will try to assist you.

The aim of this web site is to provide a general
guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation
with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and
treatment.

David Viniker retired from active clinical practice in 2012. In 1999, he setup this website - www.2womenshealth.com - to provide detailed
information many of his patients requested. The website attracts thousands of visitors every day from around the world.If you would like advice on how to make more from your website, please visit his website Keyword SEO PRO or email him on david@page1-on-google.com.